APRU University Executives’ Summit 2026

Dates: October 28-30, 2026
Host: Tohoku University

Topics:

• Resilience 2.0: From Disaster Science to Global Risk Governance
• Bridging the Infrastructure Divide: Global Access to Next-Gen Facilities and Resources Toward the Future of Co-Creation
• Beyond 2030: Data-Driven Wellness Frontier and Post-SDG Planetary Health

Invited APRU Leaders:

• Senior Research Leaders such as VP Research, Dean of Science and Engineering
• Senior researcher who shared the research interest in the panel topics, nominated by the Senior International Leaders are invited to this meeting
• Senior International Leaders

Tentative Schedule:

The program will include a welcome reception, presentations, workshops, panel discussions, small group discussion, campus tour and lab visits.  Understanding the importance of strategic collaboration and leadership at this annual gathering, we kindly ask you to mark these dates on your calendar and identify representatives from your institution to join this summit.

Please expect an official invitation and registration about University Executives’ Sumit to be shared in April. Further information and latest update will be found at: https://www.apru.org/event/apru-university-executives-summit-2026/ 

Venue of the Conference

The University Executives’ Summit will be held at The Westin Sendai.

The Westin Sendai
Address: 1-9-1 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0811
Phone: +81-22-722-1234
Website: https://the-westin-sendai.com/

The event is by invitation only. Please only register when you received an invitation from us only. 

The registration will start in May.

Please contact [email protected] if you wish to receive an invitation.

Accommodation

APRU guests have access to special rates at The Westin Sendai. While transportation from the hotel to the event venues will be provided, please note that guests are asked to arrange their own transportation from the airport or train station.

The Westin Sendai

Address: 1-9-1 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0811

Phone: +81-22-722-1234

Rates: 27,830 JPY (including tax and service charge) + 300 JPY (accommodation tax) per night, breakfast included.

Transportation: Shuttle provided from the hotel to event venues.

Reservation: A link will be provided.

Visa information

Japan grants short‑term visa exemptions to passport holders from 74 countries and regions.

Please refer to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for the list of eligible countries and regions.

Short‑Term Stay Visa

Travelers holding passports from countries or regions not covered by the visa‑exemption arrangement are required to obtain a visa.

For details on application procedures, please check the MOFA website as well as the website of the Japanese embassy or consulate where you will apply.

If you require documents issued by Tohoku University, the organizer of this Conference, for your visa application, please email [email protected] and indicate the specific documents that you need.

Transportation

Travel to Sendai is most convenient via Tokyo’s international airports (Narita and Haneda), followed by a Shinkansen (bullet train) connection from Tokyo Station.

For participants traveling from major Asian cities, Sendai Airport (SDJ) also offers international services and may be an appropriate option depending on your departure point.

International Flights from Sendai Airport (latest update in 2026)

Regular Scheduled Routes

• Seoul (Incheon, ICN) – Operated by Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.
• Taipei (Taoyuan, TPE) – Served by EVA Air and Starlux Airlines.
• Shanghai (PVG) – Operated by China Eastern Airlines.
• Hong Kong (HKG) – Carriers include HK Express, ANA codeshare, and EVA Air.

Seasonal & Charter Routes

• Bangkok (BKK) – Occasional charter flights during peak travel seasons.
• Other Chinese cities (e.g., Beijing, Dalian) – Offered intermittently depending on demand.

Arriving via Tokyo Airports (Narita / Haneda)

From Narita Airport to Tokyo Station
Train: Approximately 60 minutes on the JR Narita Express (direct to Tokyo Station).
Limousine Bus: Operated by Airport Transport Service; travel time is about 90 minutes.
Taxi: Approximately 60 minutes.

From Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station
Train: Approximately 30 minutes using the Tokyo Monorail and transferring to the JR Line at Hamamatsucho.
Limousine Bus: Operated by Airport Transport Service or Keikyu Bus; travel time is about 35 minutes.
Taxi: Approximately 30 minutes.

Note: Travel times for buses and taxis may vary depending on traffic conditions.

From Tokyo Station to Sendai Station

• Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station.
• Travel time: Approximately 90 minutes on the fastest service (Shinkansen Hayabusa).
• Tickets: Purchase at JR ticket counters or machines (English available), or online: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/

From Sendai Station to the Conference Venue
A taxi ride takes about 5 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the West Exit of Sendai Station. Showing the hotel’s name and address to the driver may be helpful.

Arriving via Sendai Airport
Train or taxi is recommended. The Sendai Airport Access Line takes about 25 minutes to Sendai Station, while taxis reach The Westin Sendai in around 20 minutes, depending on traffic.